Letter: ADAPPT changes in works for months

Plans for improvements began soon after ownership change.

Editor:

I am writing to clarify one fact from your recent editorial about the GEO Group's planned $4.5 million investment in improving the security, programmatic offerings and comfort of the ADAPPT re-entry services facility in downtown Reading.

GEO acquired more than 70 community-based and in-prison facilities from CEC in April 2017, many of which required extensive physical plant, programming, staffing, training, procedural and operational attention. As soon as we took over, we began the extensive and at times arduous process of evaluating the necessary investments and required changes for each former CEC facility, and we developed plans across the board.

Regarding ADAPPT specifically, we implemented several immediate changes to staffing levels, security procedures and the facility itself while developing a long-term plan. We evaluated several options, including facility relocation, but determined that improving the existing structure was the best option. We will continue to work closely with the Department of Corrections to implement generally accepted best practices, and to provide a rehabilitative environment that best supports the successful reintegration of our returning citizens.

GEO is a leader in the corrections field, and we take great pride in serving the communities in which we work. We are committed to providing our residents with safe facilities that will provide them with the best possible opportunity to successfully reintegrate into society, and we will continue to make all necessary investments to ensure that outcome.